**Joint Kenyan-Haitian Police Operation Dismantles Major Gang in Torcelle, Haiti**
A combined police operation by Haitian and Kenyan authorities has had great success in combating organized crime in Torcelle, a community located in the southeastern region of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The joint effort dismantled a major faction of the Kraze Baryè gang and incapacitated its right-hand man, “Deshommes,” who was seriously injured during a confrontation.
This event marks a significant step forward in the Haitian police’s efforts to restore order and security in areas under the control of violent criminal groups. The operations resulted in the neutralization of 20 gang members, the seizure of firearms, ammunition, telephones, and other sensitive equipment that fuels criminal activity.
At the center of this case is Vitel’Homme Innocent, one of the top gang leaders wanted by authorities. Innocent is implicated in several notable crimes, including the armed kidnapping of 16 Christian missionaries in 2021 and the assassination of missionary Marie Franklin in 2022. His involvement in these cases has led to Innocent being sanctioned by the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations Security Council. The U.S. government has even offered a $2 million reward for information leading to his capture.
The Haitian Prime Minister has issued an urgent appeal to the Kenyan President, requesting the immediate deployment of 600 additional police officers to bolster support for the Haitian National Police. The request comes as part of a UN-backed multinational security mission to stabilize Haiti. International collaboration is essential to combat the devastating influence of gangs in the country and protect the population from this violence.
This recent joint operation demonstrates the effectiveness of cooperation between law enforcement agencies from different countries in the fight against organized crime. As violence continues to threaten Haiti’s stability, it is imperative that efforts be stepped up to dismantle criminal networks and bring to justice those responsible for these heinous acts. The determination of the Haitian authorities, supported by their international partners, points the way toward a more secure and peaceful future for the Haitian people.